Crohn's as the etiology of Chronic Kidney Disease?

[Keralin]

I was diagnosed with a Crohn's a year ago, then undiagnosed, then rediagnosed. So based on that track record, that's a 66% likelihood of Crohn's. Two out of three specialists agree, so I'll go with that for now. We'll see what the new GI doc has to say...if I can ever find one. If anyone from Maryland can give me some MD recommendations, I will be eternally grateful.

7 months after the CD diagnosis, I was diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Is this a pretty common coexisting condition in Crohn's? I see a lot of people get kidney stones. My old Nephrologist was taking the watchful waiting method of monitoring my disease progression, and didn't want to risk damaging my kidneys more by taking biopsies, so as of right now I'm a 'kidney dysfunction NOS'. His theory is that my angry guts choked out circulation to my kidneys, and possibly partially blocked the ureters causing backwash and nephritis over and over again, and eventually the damage became permanent. Keep in mind, I had been having pretty severe GI symptoms sporadically since high school (15 years ago?!) before being diagnosed, so it's difficult to say how long I've had it.

As my "Crohn's" seemed to be in remission when spring rolled around, I was to be put back on asacol for maintenance, but that's obviously a huge no-no for someone with compromised renal function, so I'm currently chemical free and keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[If*]

One thing many crohnies might over look is the big importance of hydration. Many can suffer from dehydration through the d or lack of drinking enough fluids. Fluids are so important for kidney function and for flushing toxins from the body. I am not sure what happens once damage has occurred. Has you medical team mentioned anything about proper fluid intake?

take care.

 

[Cosmojo]

I don't "officially" have kidney disease cause my BUN and Creatine are always borderline but I have had so many kidney stones I can't even tell you, I get bad kidney pain, decreased urine output, and lots of kidney infections during flares. Its basically borderline kidney disease. It has to do with the constant dehydration, inflammation in nearby organs, plus tons of contrast from CT & MRE.

So far I just try and stay hydrated, get blood work often, and I just came off of MTX cause it seemed to be exasperating the situation. Its hard to find a balance of medications that work for IBD and kidneys

 

[Keralin]

I was lectured about getting plenty of fluids. My UA sg's normally come back pretty low, so either there's a concentrating problem or hydration status is okay. I do drink a ton of water because I'm always thirsty, yet still have had high serum potassium. I guess that's a biproduct of the decreased gfr.

Basically the nephro is 'treating' my kidneys with a renal diet, low sodium/potassium, moderate protein, which exacerbates my GI and metabolic symptoms because I have hypoglycemia too. In order to fill in the protein gap, I have to eat more fats, which bother me, and in order to not have a major sugar crash, I have to eat complex fibrous carbs which also irritate my inerds.

The CNP I see at the nephro's office for my monthly CMP's told me "you're screwed" after she asked about my blood glucose being 42 and I explained the situation. Ha! She was being funny, but also honest. Basically, when it comes to food I have two options. Eat something that makes me feel like I'm going to die, or eat something that makes me feel like I'm going to die. I really should go back to the dietitian for a new plan, since my prior visit was solely for Crohn's disease.

 

[If*]

Wow, that is a difficult situation.
you mention 'protein' forgive me in advance if this is ignorant but could be a possibility.
I do lousy with high fats but also need the protein ~ I have tried many different items, supplements etc. Recently I started using a Organic Hemp Protein and it is easy to digest (for me), I wondered if it might be of a possibility for you? It is called Nutiva 15g Organic Hemp protein, you can check it out online and ask your team if it might be do able??

Yes, you should go back to the dietitian ~ it might need to be one who has understanding of your unique circumstances.

Hang in there.

 

[Keralin]

You make an excellent point about the protein - plant based proteins are supposed to be easier on the body. I forgot about that. I'm sure it can't hurt to try. Thanks for the tip!

 

[If*]

I am finding that even 'plant' protein' may need to be increased SLOWLY so it does not cause discomfort.
It might be different for each individual